Deji Adeyanju petitions US, others for visa ban on Police Spokesman over alleged rights abuses

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, urging them to impose a visa ban on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, over alleged human rights abuses and suppression of free speech.

The petition, dated February 4 and filed on Thursday by Adeyanju’s law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, accuses ACP Adejobi of using his position to intimidate and target individuals critical of the government.

The document claims that Adejobi has repeatedly made public statements that undermine fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of speech in Nigeria.

“We urgently appeal to the United States of America to impose a visa restriction on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the current Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the petition states.

According to Adeyanju, ACP Adejobi has misused his authority by criminalizing criticism of police officers and fostering a climate of fear. He referenced a widely circulated tweet by Adejobi on March 29, 2023, where the police spokesman claimed that insulting officers performing their duties is a criminal offense under Nigerian law.

“This statement was made in response to a viral incident involving musician Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, in which Adejobi labeled his behavior as ‘unruly’ and inciting violence against officers,” the petition notes.

Additionally, Adejobi reiterated this stance in a Facebook post, asserting that verbal insults against police officers amount to disrespect for Nigeria itself.

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The petition further alleges that Adejobi played a direct role in the arrest and detention of multiple activists and critics, including nurse and activist Olamide Thomas in December 2024. Thomas was reportedly arrested after she criticized President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi in a video.

“Her arrest and subsequent detention have been viewed as a direct attack on freedom of expression,” the petition states.

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Another case cited is that of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was detained under cyberbullying and cyberstalking charges allegedly orchestrated by Adejobi.

The petition describes the conditions of his bail as excessively harsh, requiring four sureties with assets worth N2 billion. While in custody, Ekhorutomwem reportedly collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja.

The document also accuses Adejobi of ordering the arrest of a Nigerian citizen, Charles Uche Ihedioha, over a Twitter comment. It claims that when Ihedioha’s father, Nathaniel Ihedioha, visited the police station to check on his son, officers who granted him entry were punished and locked up on Adejobi’s orders.

Beyond individual cases, the petition asserts that Adejobi has continuously defended police brutality and dismissed calls for accountability. It cites a recent report in which he allegedly justified excessive force used by officers and disregarded concerns over human rights violations.

Adeyanju emphasized that imposing a visa ban on Adejobi would serve as a strong message against the suppression of free speech and the abuse of state power.

“We believe such action would send a strong message that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles will not be welcomed in the United States,” the petition concluded.

As pressure mounts for international sanctions, the Nigerian Police Force has yet to respond to these allegations. The call for justice continues to gain traction among human rights advocates, fueling debates on the need for greater oversight and accountability in law enforcement.